Advance Guitars Presents

In 1960, the square shoulder type was added to Gibson's lineup, which had been dominated by round shoulder guitars such as the J-45.The first model to appear in the lineup was the Hummingbird.
The shape alone resembles a Martin dreadnought, but it is characterized by a larger body width of approximately 16 inches. The large pickguard with a bee-bird carving on it, combined with pearl inlays and gold parts, make it a gorgeous design.

The mahogany body and adjustable saddle are essential Gibson features. With the recent surge in vintage prices, vintage flat-top models from Gibson/Martin and other manufacturers have been depleted across the board, and the launch of Advance Guitars brings vintage guitars together. This time, we will focus on early 60's models, including the first year of Hummingbird, which will never be gathered again.

Gibson 1960 Hummingbird

Gibson 1961 Hummingbird

Gibson 1962 Hummingbird Double Pickguard

Gibson 1963 Hummingbird Maple

In 1960, the Hummingbird was the first model of Gibson's square shoulder shape.
Only 156 were shipped in the first year.The following year, shipments increased to 595.The glamorous appearance of the bottle made it popular among rock musicians, and three years later, the number of bottles shipped swelled to 1,364.This record alone shows how rare the first year was, and now, more than 60 years later, it is a legendary piece that is rarely seen.One of the characteristics of this first year is the cherry sunburst color.

Like the Les Paul Standard manufactured from 1958 to 1960, which is called "Burst," the sunburst color at that time faded in various ways over time.This is after the painting of the face good yellow color,I use dye-based paint to create a reddish tint on the rim area,The reddish color tends to fade easily, and each piece will take on a different appearance as it is affected by the passage of time.

In 1960, there was a change in the red paint used in bursts, and many pieces still retain a bright red sunburst today.As for this Hummingbird, the reddish color of the rim area has faded,The overall look is what is known as a honey burst.It is difficult to make a general statement because there are individual differences, but it is a miracle that such a beautiful finish has been achieved.

Model Specifications
Body Style：Dreadnought with Square Shoulder
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Side: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood ,20 frets
Scale length & Nut Width： 645mm & 42.6mm
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl
Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood
Bridge Inlay: Pearl Dot Inlay
Tuners: Gold Kluson Tuners
Pickguard: YELLOW Hummingbird Hand Engraved Pickguard
Finish: Cherry Sunburst

This is the one that was shipped one year later. Compared to the first year, the reddish color of the rim remains, and a bright cherry sunburst is floating. The lacquer coating has become thinner and thinner, and it is clear that it has blended well with the wood.

Other features include a 25 1/2" long scale, similar to the Dove released the following year. Generally, until 1962, the Dove was often introduced as a 24 3/4" medium scale, but this first year's model was also a long scale. It may be that a lot of trial and error had been made since the first year of its release.

The sound produced by the long scale is breathtaking, and just playing the 6-string E may bring back the rock scene of those days for some people. The high position sound isemit a brilliant tension,You can enjoy the rich tone unique to Hakaranda. The tone is produced in the present day because of repeated maintenance and careful playing.

Model Specifications
Body Style：Dreadnought with Square Shoulder
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Side: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood, 20 frets
Scale length & Nut Width: 645mm & 42.8mm
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl
Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood
Bridge Inlay: Pearl Dot Inlay 
Tuners: Gibson Late 1960s GOLD Kluson Deluxe Tuners Double Line (Replaced)
Pickguard：YELLOW Hummingbird Hand Engraved Pickguard
Finish：Cherry Sunburst

Double pickguard and modified rock style.

The first thing that catches the eye is the double pickguard. The pickguard on the 1st string side is the original yellow-colored pattern, and the pickguard on the 6th string side was made later and affixed to the pickguard.The double parallelogram position mark, crown headstock inlay, and other features of Gibson's higher-end models are spectacular. The pickguard has been added to the original pickguard, giving the guitar a "gorgeous" look.

The Gibson flat-top double pickguard has been used by legends such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and Ron Wood, and its unique presence leaves a lasting impression that stays in the back of your mind once you see it.The top of the body has been refinished, but even so, it still produces a supreme tone that is different from modern acoustic guitars. I am honestly amazed at the vintage sound even with these modifications. The sound is bright and bouncy, and I think it would be suitable for country tunes.

Model Specifications
Body Style：Dreadnought with Square Shoulder
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Side: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood ,20 frets
Scale length & Nut Width： 645mm & 43.2mm
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl
Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood
Bridge Inlay: Pearl Dot Inlay
Tuners: Gold Kluson Tuners
Pickguard: YELLOW Hummingbird Hand Engraved Pickguard
Finish: Cherry Sunburst

Released in 1960, the Hummingbird's innovative looks and dynamic sound attracted musicians of the time and garnered overwhelming support.

Its explosive success led to the release of the square-shouldered Dove in 1962. However, the Dove was 35% more expensive than the Hummingbird, and after 1962, the focus of popularity remained on the Hummingbird, and Gibson, which was producing more Doves than it was selling, added the Dove body to the Hummingbird line, which could no longer keep up with production. In '62 and '63, Gibson added a long scale Hummingbird with a maple body.

This guitar is the very same Hummingbird with a maple sideback. It is a very well-preserved and premium piece.

Model Specifications
Body Style：Dreadnought with Square Shoulder
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Side: Solid Maple
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood, 20 frets
Scale length & Nut Width: 645mm & 43.2mm
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl
Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood
Bridge Inlay: Pearl Dot Inlay
Tuners: Gold Kluson Tuners
Pickguard: YELLOW Hummingbird Hand Engraved Pickguard
Finish: Cherry Sunburst

Gibson's plastic bridges were often used on 1960s small sizes such as LG-1 and B-25, but in fact, this Hummingbird also has a plastic top and belly bridge only in 1963. The saddle is adjustable and made of ceramic. This combination produces a unique sound.

This particular example shows that it was once replaced with another bridge, but it was deliberately put back to the plastic bridge. Since plastic bridges are often replaced with other bridges, it is very rare to find one with a plastic bridge that has been replaced with a plastic bridge.

The unique bright and open tone is also unbearable.

Model Specifications
Body Style：Dreadnought with Square Shoulder
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Side: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood, 20 frets
Scale length & Nut Width：645mm & 43.1mm
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl
Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood
Bridge Inlay: Pearl Dot Inlay
Tuners: Current Kluson Deluxe Tuners (Replaced)
Pickguard：YELLOW Hummingbird Hand Engraved Pickguard
Finish：Cherry Sunburst

When I listened to "Hummingbird" again to compile this article, I thought the rock-oriented sound of "Hummingbird" was really cool.I think you can enjoy the honey tone of the Rolling Stones in particular.Exile On Main Street / The Rolling Stones

It looks and sounds really cool.
Starting with the 1937 SJ-200, I think Gibson has the sense to make this acoustic guitar look cool. The Hummingbird, with its gorgeous pickguard, became very popular among band frontmen and rock guitarists.

In Japan, it is famous for being used by Kiyoshiro Imawano. In this way, the Hummingbird is a rock acoustic guitar.

Among the guitars introduced here, this one! was the one made in 1961. The day I heard this bass tone, I would be captivated by Hummingbird.

This is a model that is rarely available, so if you have always longed for the rock sound of yesteryear, this is the one for you! I would like to recommend this model to those who have a longing for the rock sound of the past. Wouldn't it be great to be able to experience the same tones you heard on records right next to you?